San Diego Union-Tribune

White on white has come alive

Once limited to showpiece decor, the neutral color is now widely embraced in living spaces

- BY CATHY HOBBS

There was a time when white-onwhite decor was all the rage. But it was mostly for social areas such as living and sitting rooms that were not meant to be “touched.” They were just to be admired and used as a gathering space for the occasional guest who popped in for “afternoon coffee or tea.”

Fast forward to today, when neutral decor and white on white are more popular than ever, and they are an integral part of how those looking for a modern, clean look want to have their space feel and still be functional.

Love the look of neutrals and white-on-white decor? Here are some tips on how to integrate this timeless color palette into your home decor.

Do

1

Do use art as a way to springboar­d a white-onwhite color palette into your space.

2

Do use white and neutral colored pieces for

main upholstery such as sofas and chairs.

3

Do blend different shades of white and cream in the same space, as long as they are the same temperatur­e, such as cool white with other cool tones

and warm shades with other warm tones.

4

Do pair metals such as brass with white on white decor.

5

Do add mirrors in spaces that are white on

white. Keep in mind, white surfaces help to “bounce” light and further reflect.

Don’t

1

Don’t be afraid to purchase white leather furniture. Nervous? Consider

alternativ­es such as Naugahyde.

2

Don’t ignore the opportunit­y to bring in a sense of contrast using elements such as black, chocolate brown and charcoal gray.

3

Don’t use shades of white that are overly yellow or gray, as they can often read “dirty or stained.”

4

Don’t just use white on white in social areas —

consider them for rooms in which you want a soothing, calm color palette, such as bedrooms.

5

Don’t forget the opportunit­y for “portable” design elements in white, such as pillows, throws and ceramics.

Hobbs is a TV host and interior design and home staging expert. This article was provided by Tribune News Service.

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FX

 ?? COURTESY PHOTO ?? All neutral upholstery creates an opportunit­y for contrast elements such as black. A chocolate brown or a charcoal gray can also stand out amid the white.
COURTESY PHOTO All neutral upholstery creates an opportunit­y for contrast elements such as black. A chocolate brown or a charcoal gray can also stand out amid the white.
 ?? SCOTT GABRIEL MORRIS ?? A three-canvas painting featuring purely white on white steals the show in this modern living space.
SCOTT GABRIEL MORRIS A three-canvas painting featuring purely white on white steals the show in this modern living space.
 ?? SCOTT GABRIEL MORRIS ?? Brass and other metals can serve as a strong accent in room decor when paired with white.
SCOTT GABRIEL MORRIS Brass and other metals can serve as a strong accent in room decor when paired with white.
 ?? COURTESY PHOTO ?? All white furniture and area rug create a fresh, modern look in this living room.
COURTESY PHOTO All white furniture and area rug create a fresh, modern look in this living room.
 ?? GETTY IMAGES ?? A white leather sofa detailed in black makes a striking statement in a white-dominant room.
GETTY IMAGES A white leather sofa detailed in black makes a striking statement in a white-dominant room.

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